🔗 Share this article Native Craftswomen Striving for Empowerment Instead of Taking Advantage Within the South American municipality of Riohacha, numerous street vendors sell cultural carryalls called woven bags Throughout all handcrafted bag she offers along the palm-lined promenade of this Caribbean city, one artisan believes that she's sharing a component of her heritage Historically employed solely by this indigenous community, the most numerous indigenous group in Colombia, these carriers - called mochilas - are now a staple throughout the country, and popular with overseas travelers In present times these products are also increasingly sold through international shops, presented in fashion events internationally, and marketed via channels such as online marketplaces and social media - connecting with customers that might not have set foot in the country "Thanks to online posts, foreign tourists are developing very knowledgeable concerning the mochila," the artisan states. "They identify and respect its ancestral value" Cultural Heritage combined with Commercial Aspect Weaving has long been central to this indigenous community, that count nearly four hundred thousand in Colombia They have resided through generations on the arid land area of this northern territory throughout the northeastern area nationally, and reach into adjacent Venezuela Skills are handed down across generations, featuring geometric designs throughout various carriers representing community affiliation, spirituality, and environmental elements Textile work is likewise a vital source of revenue in La Guajira, the country's second neediest region, where two-thirds of the population exist in need For the artisan, both domestic bag sales and international sales have enhanced circumstances within her indigenous village of 11 families, and enabled her daughter and niece to pursue higher education Global Demand together with Community Obstacles But while the growing global demand has improved opportunities for some, it has also brought difficulties Many artisans face exploitation, and there are concerns that traditional craftsmanship are being undermined for speed and commercial gain Some Wayuu women - assisted by community-focused innovators - are striving to reach more equitable international trade and promote the carrier's traditional worth Costs of traditional carriers vary considerably An average basic quality purse - produced through elementary motifs and textile methods - may be located across Colombia costing about 20 USD - occasionally cheaper Superior bags generally begin around approximately eighty dollars and can rise to numerous hundred USD, based on the weaving time, detail of the motif Historically, mochilas were crafted over weeks, yet growing market caused numerous artisans to establish speedier approaches, producing simpler designs within several days Sandra Aguilar sells traditional carriers created by women in her extended Wayuu family Business Ventures together with Commercial Realities For Colombian entrepreneur an enterprise creator, praise for the Wayuu bag she was carrying while traveling overseas sparked a business idea She created mochila company the enterprise back in 2013 "Digital platforms were emerging, and the enterprise began to take off," she states Ms Chica states she concentrates on premium purses featuring traditional patterns and elements These purses reflect the weavers' talents, effort, and tradition, for which they obtain appropriate payment, she says The company has been featured in magazines, including international fashion magazines, and presented during global style events and premium commercial locations from Hawaii to London, Paris and Shanghai Separate Channels and Commercial Circumstances Yet does she consider the flourishing popularity of mochilas has been beneficial for the native population? For Ms Chica, that very much depends on which market you look at "Certain companies, and people curious about the narrative surrounding the production process, that want to keep sharing it internationally," she says She further states that these create a market for customers who appreciate traditional artistry, sustainability and fair trade, and accept increased costs However not every artisan have managed to reach approaches to partner with such companies that provide appropriate payment, comments the businesswoman Instead she says that numerous must depend on an alternative system where fast output, commerce and revenue are emphasized, that weakens pay and the quality of the product Economic Obstacles Within the city's New Market - an intricate commercial space filled with vibrant stands offering thread, traditional hammocks and mochilas - several craftswomen crouches on the ground level, working They describe how intermediaries, or brokers, may offer them only $5.50 per bag, but after paying for thread and transport, they often earn merely $1.50 - without considering the production period Numerous indigenous craftswomen hail from countryside, distant settlements where exclusively the indigenous language - {the Wayuu language|the